Game apparatus and mechanical assemblies useful therein



Jan. 8, 1963 THICK KEE YEE 3,072,406

GAME APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES USEFUL THEREIN Filed Oct. 11, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet l THICK KEE YEE ATTORNEYS Jan. 8, 1963 THICK KEE YEE GAME APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES USEFUL THEREIN Filed 001:. 11, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 THICK KEE YEE ATTORNEYS Jan. 8, 1963 THICK KEE YEE GAME APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES USEFUL THEREIN Filed Oct. 11, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I no I l I ATTORNEYS Jan. 8, 1963 THICK KEE YEE GAME APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES USEFUL THEREIN Filed Oct. 11, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 2m. 30a. 20a 206 INVENTOR THICK IG'E YEE ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,072,406 GAME APPARATUS AND MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES USEFUL THEREIN Thick Kee Yee, 9 S. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, Pa. Filed Oct. 11, 1960, Ser. No. 61,907 13 Claims. (Cl. 273-874) This invention relates to amusement apparatus, and to assemblies for producing correlated mechanical movements. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a ball-type toygolf game incorporating a mannikin operable mechanically to strike and project balls toward a simulated golf hole, and to mechanical assemblies which function to provide the desired game movements.

Miniature or simulated mechanical golf games are known in the art. Generally such games incorporate a swingable mannikin supporting a golf club adapted to strike a ball and project the same onto one form or another of playing field which is provided with at least one aperture or golf hole. The present invention, while being directed to a game of such type, is primarily concerned with the means providedfor effecting manipulation of the mannikin and other movable components of the apparatus whereby the game can be played by merely operating two arms, one of which arms serves to cause functioning of score indicating and ball return means, and the other of which arms serves to cause positioning of a ball, and selective manipulation of the mannikin and golf club carried thereby for striking the ball.

Although one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a mechanical ball-type golf game, it is to be understood that another primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanical assembly, operative by movement of a single reciprocal arm, which assembly, upon movement of the operating arm, functions to cause and coordinate movement between separate members, and which assembly, although finding particular utility in game apparatus such as that provided by the invention, can be put to various uses.

In addition to the general primary objects set forth above, the invention has further, more specific primary object's, namely: (a) the provision of a ball-type mechanical golf game including a ball teeing means, a ball striking means, means for moving the ball teeing means, means for moving the ball striking means, and means for maintaining the ball teeing means in a given position during partial movement of the ball striking means; (b) the provision of a ball-type toy golf game as prescribed in (a) above and further including ball return and score indicating means simultaneously operable by movement of one operating arm; (c) the provision of a score indicating means and ball receiving aperture shutter combination which may be used in the preferred apparatus provided by the present invention, as well as in other games wherein it is desired to coordinate return of the game ball with the game scoring; (d) the provision of a simple and inexpensively manufactured mechanical assembly which causes reciprocation of an operating member along one axis in response to movement of a reciprocal cam member along an axis extending angularly with respect to the reciprocating axis of the operating member and which assembly is suitable for use in the game apparatus provided by the present invention, as well as in various other types of apparatus; (e) the provision of a ball-type mechanical golf game conforming with the preceding objects and incorporating the structures provided in accordance therewith, wherein novel means are provided for operating the upper portion of a mannikin in timed relation to operation of other components, such as, a ball teeing means adapted to support a ball in front of a mannikin whereby a golf ,club carried by the mannikin is caused to strike,the ball; and (f) the provision of a ball-type mechanical golf game apparatus and mechanical assemblies conforming with all of the preceding objects and utilizing available and/ or readily and inexpensively manufactured components.

Generally the present invention provides improvements in mechanical game apparatus, and improvements in mechanical assemblies adapted to produce correlated movements.

The invention lies in the construction, arrangements, and combination of the various assemblies, parts, and components of the game apparatus which forms the pre ferred embodiment of the invention and which is decribed in detail hereinbelow. The description refers to the illustrative embodiments of the invention presented in the annexed drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a complete game apparatus assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmental detailed view showing th preferred form of mannikin used in the apparatus of FIGURE 1, and the manner in which one portion of the mannikin is rotatably supported with respect to the other portion thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 with the game board, cover and a mannikin removed therefrom, FIGURE 3 presenting the construction of a shelf provided in underlying relation to the game board, and the preferred construction of components associated with such shelf, in accordance with the invention. 1

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the indicating means provided in the apparatus of the invention, and shows the same located within an indicating means housing having the rear panel removed therefrom;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the indicating means shown in FIGURE 4, FIGURE 5 having been taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmental end view of the operating linkage used to cause functioning of the indicating means, shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, as well as release of a ball through a shutter means provided by the invention, FIG- URE 6 having been taken on line 6-6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the mechanical operating assembly provided by the invention for teeing a ball to be struck and operating the mannikin to strike the ball in the game of the invention; FIGURE 7 showing the components of such assembly as a ball is passing to the ball tee- .ing means;

FIGURE 8 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG URE 7; however, FIGURE 8 shows the components when the ball is about to be struck by the ball striking means;

FIGURE 9 is also a side cross-sectional view, like FIG- URE 8; however, FIGURE 9 shows the position of the mechanical assembly components after a ball has been struck; 1

FIGURE 10 is a plan view showing a portion of the mechanical assembly presented in FIGURES 7-9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmental side cross-sectional view showing the spaced relation between and configuration of the game board, and shelf provided thereunder in the game apparatus of the invention; and

FIGURE 12 is a fragmental plan view of the rear por- .tion of an operating linkage provided by the invention to cause simultaneous functioning of the score indication means, and ball release shutter shown in FIGURES 4 and 5.

The game embodiment of the present invention, as suggested, is shown in FIGURE 1, and such game is generally designated by the numeral 2. The game comprises a board means 4 which preferably is carried in a frame 6, and enclosedin a plastic transparent cover 8. Disposed on the top side of the board 4 andmounted for-move;-

ment thereabove, as explained in more detail hereinafter, is a mannikin having a top portion 12 which is pivotally or rotatably moveable with respect to the bottom portion 14 thereof. The bands 11 of the mannikin support a miniature golf club 16 which is moveable from the position shown in solid lines in FIGURE 1 to the position shown in dotted lines therein. The path of movement of the head of the golf club is shown by means of a broken arrow line, and it will be noted that such path of movement bisects the axis of a ball 18 which is shown as disposed in striking position.

The board means 4 has a pyramidly downward tapered rear section 20, the front edge 22 of which projects above the rear section 24 of the board (FIGURES 1 and 11). Disposed in the rear section 24 of the board, preferably centrally thereof, is a ball receiving aperture 26. A flag 28 is disposed behind the ball receiving aperture 26 whereby the rear portion 24 of the board simulates a golf hole. Extending angularly from either side of, and leading into, the ball receiving aperture 26 are a pair of ball guides 30 and 32 which form a wing that directs a ball that has passed behind the wing and into the area of the flag, to-' ward the ball receiving aperture 26. Disposed at the end of the frame 6, but viewable through the transparent enclosure, is a score indicating means 34.

Two operating arms 50 and 52 project forwardly of the front stepped end 48 of the frame, and these operating arms serve to cause manipulation of the various components of the game apparatus whereby an operator can play golf. The operating arm 50, as explained in detail hereinbelow, when pulled out, causes movement of the upper portion 12 of the mannikin 10 clockwise, as shown, so that the head of the golf club 16 is moved behind the ball 18. Simultaneously with such movement, a ball teeing means, explained in more detail below, serves to elevate the ball 18 into striking position. After these manipulations have taken place, the operating arm 50 is released, and by virtue of a resilient biasing means incorporated in the mechanical assembly, the operating arm 50 automatically moves inwardly causing the upper portion 12 of the mannikin 10 to move counter-clockwise carrying the head of the golf club 16 into striking engagement with a ball 18 that is maintained in the position shown in FIGURE 1. Once the ball has been struck by the golf club 16, or ball-striking member, and if manipulations have been proper, then the ball follows a trajectory whereby it lands either in the ball-receiving aperture 26, or behind the guides 30 and 32, in which case, the wing formed by the guides directs the ball into the ball-receiving aperture 26.

If the operator has been successful, and has made a hole-in-one, then he pushes inwardly on the operating arm 52 which causes, as also explained in detail hereinafter, operation of the indicating means 34 whereby an additional point appears (i.e. the next highest number appears), and simultaneously therewith opening of a shutter for the ball-receiving aperture 26 whereby the ball returns to be re-used. If the operator does not have a hole-in-one, then the ball either goes into an outlet opening 54 or 56 at the rear of the board, or, in the alternative, the ball coasts backwardly toward the forward portion of the board, and is guided into an outlet aperture 58 disposed under the projecting forward edge 22 of the board means.

By referring to FIGURE 11, it will be seen that regardless of the aperture in the board means 4 from which the ball drops, it passes onto a shelf 60 carried by the frame 6 below the board means 4. Disposed on the shelf are opening 74 located between adjacent space-d ends of the ribs 64 and 66. The guide shutter 72 is pivoted on a suitable pivot shaft 76 fixed to shelf 60, whereby the shutter is moveable from a position blocking the opening 74 to a position wherein the opening 74 communicates with a guide channel 78 extending therebehind and leading to a ball-teeing means. The channel 78 terminates on one side at edge 80 which is spaced from the guide shutter when the shutter closes opening 74. When the guide shutter 72 is moved from the position shown, and out of blocking relation to opening 74, then the same moves into engagement with the edge 80 of the channel 78, and serves as part of the channel.

The guide shutter 72 is surrounded, at the end thereof remote from that closing the opening 74, by a U-shape bracket 80 which is pivotally secured to the shutter by means of a pivot pin 84 extending between opposite legs of the bracket and through an opening in the shutter. The bracket 80 is coupled with the end of a shaft 86 that is part of the operating arm 52 referred to hereine above. The shaft 86 slidably projects through a raised rear portion 61 of the shelf 60 as well as through a support block 93 fixed on the middle portion of shelf 60 to reciprocally support the shaft 86 whereby it can be pushed inwardly or moved from the position shown to the left. Such movement of shaft 86 moves the shutter to a position where the shutter is in engagement with the edge 80 of the channel 78, and opening 74 is unblocked. Preferably, a biasing means in the form of a spring 92 is provided in surrounding relation to the shaft and extending between the support block 90 and the upwardly sloping rear portion 61. With this construction, when the operating arm 52 is pushed inwardly in the direction of arrow M, the spring 92, which has its end remote from the block 90 fixed to the shaft 86, is compressed, and the shutter 72, by virute of its pivotal connections, swings to open the passage 74. Upon release of the operating arm 52, the spring 92 expands causing the components to return to their original position as shown. Any balls which were on shelf prior to pushing inwardly on the operating arm 52 would move through the opening 74 and into the channel 78, where they would be ready for passing onto the ball teeing means explained in more detail hereinbelow.

As suggested above, the game apparatus of the present invention incorporates a score indication means 34. This score indication means 34 is also operable by the operating arm 52, and cooperates with a shutter 102 which is pivotally mounted between a pair of projecting legs 104 and 106 extending forwardly of the indicating means casing 109. The shutter 102, as shown in FIGURE 5, normally serves to close the ball receiving aperture 26. The shutter 102, however, being pivoted about a shaft 108 extending between the foot projections 104 and 106 (FIG- URE 3) is movable about the pivot so that its forward end (left end, as shown) moves downwardly to open the ball receiving aperture 26, and allows any ball lodged therein to pass onto the shelf 60. The shutter 102 preferably comprises an elongate generally rectangular member, which, in addition to being pivoted about the shaft 108, is pivoted to a pawl 110, as at the pivot connection designated by the numeral 112. The pawl 110 is disposed, generally vertically, within the indicating means housing 109 and passes between a pair of opposed guides 114 and 116 extending between the side walls of the housing 109. The shutter and pawl couplings function to operate the shutter and pawl assembly so that when the forward end of the shutter 102 moves downwardly from the position shown to open the ball receiving aperture26, the pawl 110 automatically moves upwardly to operate the. score indication means.

.T he pawl is disposed adjacent one end wall 109 of the indicating means housing 109 and cooperates with a ratchet 118 disposed to operate therewith and journaled on a shaft 120, which shaft rotatably mounts a score indicating cylinder 122, having score indications carried on the periphery thereof. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, wl1en the pawl 110 moves up wardly from the position shown, it engages the teeth of the ratchet 118 and causes the same to rotate clockwise. Return of the ratchet counter-clockwise with downward movement of the pawl is restrained by a spring arm 124 disposed to engage the ratchet teeth, and fixed to a shaft 126 extending between opposed side walls of the housing 109 of the indicating means. The spring means or arm 124 is bent upwardly as the ratchet is rotated clockwise, but resiliently engages the ratchet tooth by tooth to prevent reverse rotation.

To provide for simultaneous operation of the guide shutter 72 carried on the shelf 60, of the score indicating means 34, and of the aperture shutter 102, a suitable linkage is provided in combination with the operating arm 52 and shaft 86 thereof. More specifically, if reference is made to FIGURE 7, it will be noted that depending from the shaft 86, and fixed thereto, are a pair of coupling pins 130, 131. Fixed to the lower ends of pins 130, 131 is a connecting rod 132 which normally extends from the inside face of the top step of the front end 48 of the frame rearwardly under the board means 4 and the shelf 60. The connecting rod 132 carries at its rear end a cross member 134 which serves to support an operating tongue 136 projecting forwardly of, but parallel to, the connection rod 132. The disposition of the components 132,

134 and 136 is best presented in the fragmental detailed view of FIGURE 12. The operating tongue 136 cooperates with a lever 140 (FIGURE 5) pivoted near one end "(right end, as shown) about a pivot shaft 146 extending between a pair of lever guides 142 and 144. When the operating tongue 136 is moved forwardly from the position shown, then the same presses upwardly on the lever 140 ultimately engaging the lever cam 147 and pressing the lever into the position shown in dotted lines in FIG- URE 5. As the lever moves upwardly into the dotted line position, it engages the terminal edge 111 of the pawl 110 and causes the pawl 110 to move upwardly in the direction of arrow 150. Since the operating tongue 136 is connected for movement with the connecting rod 132, .and since the connecting rod 132 is fixed by pins 130-1 for movement with the operating member 52, as the operating member is moved inwardly from the position shown in FIGURE 7, the same causes the operating tongue 136 to move from the position thereof shown in FIGURE 5, to the left, and this results in raising the rear vend of lever 140 whereupon such end engages the pawl 110 and the pawl causes rotation of the ratchet 118. It will be remembered that as the pawl 110 moves upwardly, the shutter 102 which normally closes the ball receiving aperture 26 is pivoted about the point 108 and opens'the ball receiving aperture 26. Thus, upon pressing inwardly upon the operating arm 52, the indicating means 34 is operated, the shutter 102 which normally closes the ball receiving aperture is moved to open such aperture, and simultaneously with all of such action, the guide shutter 72 carried on the shelf 60, as shown in FIGURE 3,

Imoves to a position where balls on the shelf 60 can pass the shaft block 90 (FIG. 3) and presses the operating arm .52 back to its original position.

The end of the connecting rod 132 adjacent the pins 130, 131 (right end, as shown) serves as a return stop for the connecting rod, and for shaft 86 and operating arm 52.

AlthoughI have shown an operating tongue 136 con- 6 pled with a connecting rod 132 by means of a cross member 134 (FIG. 12), for purposes of operating-the indication means and shutters, it should be understood that this construction is provided for the purpose of enabling placement of theindicating means and ball-receiving aperture centrally of the board means. If the ball receiving aperture and indicating means were displaced, to the right side of the board means as shown, then the connecting rod 132 could be slightly extended whereby its extension would function in the same manner as the operating tongue 136. However, this modification would also require suitable modification of the timing and positioning of the mannikin, ball striking means held thereby, and ball teeting means, and I have found that the construction shown is preferred since it facilitates assembly, and trouble-free operation.

Having now described the operation of the components which are disposed on the board means, on the shelf, and the operating assemblies connected therewith, attention can be directed to the mechanical assembly provided by the invention for operating the ball teeting means and ball striking means. Initially, reference should be made to FIGURE 7 wherein the ball teeing means has been generally designated by the numeral 200, wherein the ball striking means or golf club has been generally designated by the numeral 16, and wherein the base of the mannikin "10 has been designated by the numeral 12'. The mannikin, as shown in FIGURE 2, has a stationary base portion 14 comprising the legs of the individual, and a rotatably supported upper portion 12 which comprises the head, arms, hands, shoulders, and chest of the individual. A shaft 301 is rotatably supported in a suitable bore 302 in the bottom portion 14 of the mannikin, and extends into, and is fixed with, the upper portion 12 of the mannikin. The ball striking means, or golf club 16, is rigidly secured between the hands of the mannikin, as shown in FIGURE 1, and thus as the shaft 301 is rotated, the club '16 or ball striking means is caused to rotate from a position behind the ball, to a position in engagement with the ball, and forwardly thereof to the ultimate position assumed by the striking means and shown by the dotted lines in FIGURE 1. In FIGURES 7, 8 and 9, to which detailed attention will now be directed, the upper portion of the mannikin has been eliminated, and it should be understood that as the shaft 301 is rotated the ball striking means 16 rotates therewith. The ball teeing means 200 comprises a tubular support 202 having a cross-arm 204 projecting laterally from the lower portion thereof, and preferably projecting laterally from both sides of the lower portion thereof. The ball teeing means includes a sleeve member 206 preferably having two opposed axial slots 208 therein (FIG. 10).

In accordance with the invention, the cross-arm 204' extends through the axial slots 208 in the sleeve 206, the sleeve is fixed to a bracket member 210, 'and the sleeve 2% and tubular support 202 are of cylindrical configuration. By virtue of the cooperating relationship between the tubular support 202 and sleeve 206, the tubular supthe top of the sleeve. Reciprocation of the tubular support 202 is guided by cooperation of the cross-arm- 204 with the axial slots 208 in the sleeve. The tubular support 202 is actually a ball tee in the game shown, and is :open, or recessed, at its upper end 212 whereby a ball can rest or be craddled therein. The channel 78 which forms part of guide means 62 carried on shelf 60, ispro- "vided with a rear wall 214 projecting upwardly adjacent the tubular support 202 whereby a ball 18 is stopped within the channel 78 in a position to rest on top of the tubular support 202. Of course, the board 4 and shelf 60 are provided with aligned apertures through which the tubular support 202 can'pass.

From the foregoing discussion, and by reference to FIGURE 3, it should be apparent that the channel 78 serves as a guide means for directing balls to the ball teeing means and onto the reciprocal tubular support 202 thereof. The tubular support 202 preferably is disposed for reciprocation perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to the top face of the board means 4 so that the tubular support, or ball tee, moves upwardly through the ball-tee aperture 220 in the board 4, or, more particularly, the rear portion 20 of the board, and is supported in the position shown in FIGURE 1.

To provide for the reciprocating action of the tubular support 202, a cam member 300 is incorporated. Preferably such cam member, as shown in FIGURE 10, comprises a rectangular frame including a pair of opposed cam plates 302 and 304 spaced apart by a pair of end members 306 and 308. The cam plates 302 and 304 are disposed on either side of the fixed sleeve 206, and, accordingly, on either side of the tubular support 202. The cross arms 204 projecting laterally of the tubular support extend at least partially into the cam plates 302 and 304, or, more particularly, into cam slots therein. The cam plates 302 and 304 are identical, and the cam slot construciton thereof is, accordingly, explained only in connection with earn plate 302. By again referring to FIGURES 7, 8 and 9, it will be seen that the cam plate 302 is provided with a cam slot 320 extending angularly with respect to the reciprocal axis of the tubular support 202, and also angularly with respect to the reciprocal axis of the cam member 300. The cam member 300 is movable along an axis parallel to the base member of a bracket 210, and in fact the base of bracket 210 supports the cam member for reciprocal movement there along, and serves to fix sleeve 206 in position.

When the cam member 300 is disposed in the forward position, as shown in FIGURE 7, then the cross arm 204 projecting laterally of the tubular support 202, is located at the base of the cam slots, and the tubular support 202 is contained within the sleeve 206. As the cam member 300 is moved rearwardly, however, as shown in FIGURE 8, the cross arm 204 is caused to rise since it engages the cam slots 320, or, more particularly, the aligned cam slots in spaced cam plates 302 and 304. As the cross arm rides up in the cam slots, the tubular support 202 rises up, raising a ball 18 disposed on the top thereof into the striking position shown in FIGURE 8.

Now it must be remembered that not only is it necessary to move the ball member into striking position, but, in addition, the ball striking means or club 16 must be moved behind the ball so that when the ball is raised into striking position, and the club is moved into striking engagement therewith, it Will cause the same to travel toward the flag 38 or ball receiving aperture 26.

In order to provide for the timed or sequential operation of reciprocating the first member or tubular support 202 and the rotation of the separate second member or upper portion of mannekin 10, couplings are provided between the reciprocating member, the rotating member, and the operating arm 50. More specifically, the shaft 301 to which the upper portion of the mannikin 10 is fixed for rotation, extends below the board 4 and the shelf 60, and then is bent first outwardly as at 350, then downwardly as at 352, then again outwardly as at 354, and then, downwardly again as at 356, to form an eccentric generally designated hereinafter by numeral 360. Rotation of the terminal projection 356 which extends laterally or downwardly of the eccentric 360 is caused by reciprocation of a connecting rod 370 pivotally coupled, as at 372, with the projection 356, and also coupled, preferably pivotally, to a cross member 374, which is fixed for reciprocation with the operating arm 50, or, more particularly, the shaft 380 which forms part thereof. By referring to FIGURE 10, it will be seen that as the shaft 380 is pulled out, or moved downwardly as shown in the drawing, the cross member 374. which is fixed thereto moves downwardly, as does the connecting rod 370. This causes the projection 356 coupled to the connecting rod to move clockwise, as shown, and as a result the shaft 301 rotates clockwise about an axis designated as A.

In order to properly time the rotation of the shaft 301, and thereby the upper portion of the mannekin, with the upward reciprocation of the tubular ball support 202, each of the cam plates 302 and 304 is provided with a delay slot 400, which is disposed horizontal as shown, or parallel to the reciprocating axis of the cam member 300. The shaft 380 extends through a suitable aperture in end 308 of cam member 300, and is slidable within such aperture. Moreover, the shaft 380 is provided with a cross pin 404 which extends laterally of the shaft 380 and into the slots 400 terminating in downwardly bent hooks 406 (FIGURE 7). Normally, when the tubular ball support 202 is in its lowest position, the cross pin 404 projecting laterally of the shaft 380 is disposed in the forward end of slots 400, or in the portion of the slots 400 nearest the sleeve 206 and tubular ball support 202. At this instant, as shown in FIGURE 7, the ball striking means or club 16 is disposed at its extreme left position, or in its position nearest the ball receiving aperture. As the operating arm 50 is pulled outwardly, i.e. t0 the right as shown in FIGURE 7, the shaft 301 is rotated by virtue of the eccentric 360 being connected with the shaft 380 by means of connecting rod 372 and cross member 374. The cam member 300, however, initially does not move because the shaft 380 is only slidably coupled therewith. In other words, as the shaft 380 is moved to the right in FIGURE 7, it rotates the shaft 301 and upper portion of the mannekin initially to a position where the ball striking means 16 is behind, or to the right of the reciprocating axis of the tubular ball support 202. Once the ball striking means 16 has been moved to this position, the pin shaft 404 has moved in the slot 400 to the position shown in FIGURE 8, i.e. it engages the right end of the slot 400. This causes rearward reciprocation (reciprocation to the right, as shown) of the cam member 300, and as a result the tubular ball support 202 is caused to rise up as shown in FIGURE 8. The cross arm 204 of the ball support engages the cam slots 320 as the cam member 300 moves to the right, as explained hereinabove.

The arrangement of pin 404 and slot 400 provides a delay means, which, as explained, allows the ball striking means or club to move behind the ball before it is teed up. In addition to this function, however, the pin and slot delay means serves to maintain the tubular support 202 in a position to support the ball above the board means, i.e. in striking position, as the operating arm 50 moves to the left, after release. More specifically, the shaft 380 is encircled by a return spring 50 extending between the inside face of the lower step of end 48 of the frame and the cross arm 374 fixed on shaft 380. Such spring is compressed when the operating arm 50 is moved to a position where the ball striking means is behind the ball, and the ball is elevated above the board, as shown in FIGURE 8. Release of the operating arm 50 allows the spring 500 to expand and results in the operating arm 50, and shaft 380 thereof, moving to the left. Initially, the ball striking means 16 is rotated toward, and into engagement with, the ball because the shaft 301 is rotated by virtue of its coupling through eccentric 360, connecting rod 372, and cross member 374 with the shaft 380. During this time, the cam member 300 is not moved because the shaft 380 only slidably engages the same, and because the pin shaft 404 projecting laterally of the shaft 380 is moving freely in the slots 400. It is not until the pin shaft 404 engages the left end (as shown) of the slots 400, that the cam member 300 is caused to move to the left (as shown). Thus, by suitably adjusting the length of the slot 400, the ball is maintained in teed up position while the ball striking member is swinging by virtue of rotation of the shaft 301 under the action of the connections and spring 500, into striking engagement With the ball. Once the ball striking means 16 has struck the ball, then the pin shaft 404 engages the forward end of the slot 400, and as the shaft 380 moves further to the left, it carries the cam member 300 with it, or pushes the same in such direction, resulting in a downward travel of cross arm 204 and lowering of the ball teeing support 202.

Since there is some friction ofengagement between the shafts 380 and the pin shaft 404 with the slots and shaft aperture in the cam member 300, the cam member tends to move forwardly or to the left as shown, when the operating arm 50 is released. For this reason, I have found that operation can be improved if a pair of spring arms such as those designated by numerals 504 and 506 (FIGURE are provided on opposite sides of the back member 211 of bracket 210. The spring arms 504 and 506 engage first the corners of the end of the cam member 300, and then the side portions thereof. Preferably, the spring arms are of a length whereby their ends 503 and 505 are in engagement with the corners of the rear member 306 of the cam member when the cam member is in the position shown in FIGURE 8. When this is the case, or even if the spring arms engage the side of the cam member, the frictional engagement between the shaft 380 and the cam member, and the frictional engagement between the pin shaft 404 and the cam member are resisted. As a result, the cam member remains in the position shown in FIGURE 8, the tubular ball support 202 remains elevated by virtue of the sliding action of the cross arm 204 in the cam slots 320, and no lowering of the tubular ball support or tee 202 takes place, until the pin shaft 404 has moved to the left end of the slot 400, whereupon the restraining action of the spring arms 504 and .506 is over come, and the tubular support or ball tee 202 is lowered into the position shown in FIGURE7. v

If more than one ball is disposed in the channel 78 (FIGURE 3), then after the cam member 300 has returned to the position shown in FIGURE 7, another ball passes onto the tubular support 202, and the operator can again try for a hole in one.

Although I have shown the mechanical assemblies described herein as operating to provide desired timing in a game apparatus, it is to be understood that one of the primary features of the present invention is the provision of such mechanical assemblies, and that such mechanical assemblies or portions thereof provided hereby can be used in other games, as well as in other types of apparatus, where it is desired to produce the same or similar correlated movements.

Of course, various equivalent means can be substituted for those shown exactly, although the means shown constitute the preferred embodiments hereof. For example, in certain instances the cam member can comprise a single cam plate, and the cross arm can project from only one side of the tubular ball support.

After reading the foregoing detailed description of the preferred and illustrative apparatus incorporating the various embodiments of my invention, it will be appreciated that the objects set forth at the outset of this specification have been successfully achieved.

What is claimed is:

1. In a ball-type game system, the combination comprising board means defining on the top side thereof a playing field and having at least one ball-receiving aperture therein; ball teeing means reciprocally vertically movable selectively with respect to said board means to support a ball in spaced relation to said ball-receiving aperture with at least the major portion of the ball above said top side of said board means in striking position; a ball striking means; holder means for supporting said ball striking means above said top side of said board means for movement from a first location behind the ball when the ball is in said striking position to a second location where said striking means engages said ball when said ball is in said striking position; linkage means for moving said striking means between said locations; a rein ciprocal manual operating arm extending beyond said board; means coupling said operating arm with said linkage means and said ball teeing means for simultaneously vertically moving said ball teeing means to support a ball in said striking position and laterally moving said striking means to said first location behind said ball when said operating arm is moved from a first position to a second position; means for urging said operating arm normally in said first position whereby once said arm has been moved to said second position, release of said arm results in said arm returning automatically to said first position; and means cooperating with said operating arm for causing said ball teeing means to support said ball in said striking position when said operating arm has been released and is moving between said first and second positions under the action of said means for urging said arm normally in said first position.

2. In a ball type game system, the combination defined in claim 1 and further including score indication means; aperture shutter means movably mounted on the underside of said board means to normally close said ball receiving aperture; and a second operating arm coupled with said score indication means and said aperture shutter means for simultaneously operating said score indication means and moving said aperture shutter means to open said ball receiving aperture whereby a ball 'within said aperture drops therethrough.

3. In a ball type game system, the combination defined in claim 2 and further including a frame having a shelf, said frame supporting said board means above said shelf, said shelf having guide means thereon for direct ing balls dropping from said board means to said ball teeing means, said guide means including a movable guide shutter normally maintaining balls in spaced relation to said ball teeing means, said movable guide shutter being coupled with said second operating arm for simultaneous operation thereby with said indication means and said aperture shutter means.

4. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 2 wherein said score indication means comprises a rotatably mounted cylinder carrying a plurality of score disequations on the periphery thereof, a ratchet fixed for rotation with said cylinder, and pawl means movably cooperating with said ratchet to rotate said ratchet, and wherein said combination further includes a coupling between said aperture shutter and said pawl means for automatically moving said pawl means to rotate said ratchet when said aperture shutter moves to open said ball receiving aperture. 5. In a ball-type game: system, the combination defined in claim 3 wherein said ball teeing means comprises a tubular support having a cross-arm projecting laterally from the lower portion thereof, and a sleeve member having at least one slot therein; wherein said tubular support is reciprocally mounted in said sleeve with said cross-arm extending in said slot for movement.

along an axis perpendicular to said top face of said board means; wherein said means coupling said linkage means and said ball teeing means with said operating arm comprises a reciprocally mounted cam member having at least one slot therein extending angularly with respect to the axis of reciprocal movement of said cam memher; and wherein said cross-arm on said tubular support extends in said slot in said cam member whereby said support reciprocates along an axis extending angularly with respect to the axis of reciprocal movement of said cam member upon reciprocal movement of said cam member.

6. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 5, wherein said means cooperating with said operating arm for causing said ball teeing means to support said ball in striking position as said operating arm moves between said first and second positions comprises spring means comprising resilient arms resisting movement of said cam member when said operating arm moves from said second position to said first position, and means coupling said operating arm with said cam member whereby said operating arm is movable in opposite directions a predetermined distance without causing movement of said cam member.

7. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 6, wherein said holder for supporting said striking means comprises a mannikin, said mannikin having the upper portion thereof rotatably mounted with respect to the bottom portion thereof.

8. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 7, wherein said striking means takes the form of a golf club, and wherein said golf club is carried in the hands of said mannikin which form part of said upper portion thereof.

9. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 8, wherein said linkage means comprises a linkage cross-arm extending laterally of said operating arm,

a shaft extending through the lower portion of said mennikin, an eccentric coupled to said shaft, and a connecting rod extending between said linkage cross arm and said eccentric whereby reciprocation of said operating arm reciprocates said linkage cross-arm and said connecting rod and rotates said shaft and thereby said golf club.

10. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 1 wherein said ball teeing means comprises a tubular support having a cross-arm projecting laterally from opposite sides of the lower portion thereof, and a sleeve member having opposed axial slots therein, said tubular support being reciprocally mounted in said sleeve with said cross-arm extending in said slots for movement along an axis perpendicular to said top face of said board means; wherein said means coupling said linkage means and said ball teeing means with said operating arm comprises a reciprocally mounted cam member including spaced cam plates disposed on opposite sides of said sleeve, said cam plates having cam slots therein extending angularly with respect to the axis of reciprocal movement of said cam member, said cross-arm on said tubular support extending into said cam slots in said cam member whereby said support reciprocates along an axis extending angularly with respect to the axis of reciprocal movement of said cam member upon reciprocal movement of said cam member.

11. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 10, wherein said means cooperating with said operating arm for causing said ball teeing means to support said ball in striking position as said operating arm moves between said first and second positions comprises spring means comprising resilient arms engaging opposite sides of said cam member for resisting movement of said cam member when said operating arm moves from said second position to said first position, and pin and slot means coupling said operating arm with said cam member whereby said operating arm is movable in opposite directions a predetermined distance without causing movement of said cam member.

12. In a ball-type game system, the combination defined in claim 11 and further including score indication means; aperture shutter means movably mounted on the underside of said board means to normally close said ball receiving aperture; and a second operating arm coupled with said score indication means and said aperture shutter means for simultaneously operating said score indication means and moving said aperture shutter means to Open said ball receiving aperture whereby a ball within said aperture drops therethrough; and a frame having a shelf, said frame supporting said board means above said shelf, said shelf having guide means thereon for directing balls dropping from said board means to said ball teeing means, said guide means including a movable guide shutter normally maintaining balls in spaced relation to said ball teeing means, said movable guide shutter being coupled with said second operating arm for simultaneous operation thereby with said indication means and said aperture shutter means.

13. In a ball-type game apparatus having a game board means with a ball receiving aperture therein, the combintion of aperture shutter means movably mounted on said board means to normally close said ball receiving aperture; score indication means including a rotatably mounted cylinder carrying a plurality of score designations on the periphery thereof, a ratchet fixed for rotation with said cylinder, and pawl means movably cooperating with said ratchet to rotate said ratchet; and coupling means linked between said aperture shutter means and said pawl means for automatically moving said pawl means to rotate said ratchet when said aperture shutter means moves to open said ball receiving aperture.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,127,861 Connor Feb. 9, 1915 1,694,691 Rentz Dec. 11, 1928 1,869,842 Chester Aug. 2, 1932 2,463,197 Paupa Mar. 1, 1949 2,935,890 Hall May 10, 1960 2,939,332 Peterson June 7, 1960 

1. IN A BALL-TYPE GAME SYSTEM, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING BOARD MEANS DEFINING ON THE TOP SIDE THEREOF A PLAYING FIELD AND HAVING AT LEAST ONE BALL-RECEIVING APERTURE THEREIN; BALL TEEING MEANS RECIPROCALLY VERTICALLY MOVABLE SELECTIVELY WITH RESPECT TO SAID BOARD MEANS TO SUPPORT A BALL IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID BALL-RECEIVING APERTURE WITH AT LEAST THE MAJOR PORTION OF THE BALL ABOVE SAID TOP SIDE OF SAID BOARD MEANS IN STRIKING POSITION; A BALL STRIKING MEANS; HOLDER MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID BALL STRIKING MEANS ABOVE SAID TOP SIDE OF SAID BOARD MEANS FOR MOVEMENT FROM A FIRST LOCATION BEHIND THE BALL WHEN THE BALL IS IN SAID STRIKING POSITION TO A SECOND LOCATION WHERE SAID STRIKING MEANS ENGAGES SAID BALL WHEN SAID BALL IS IN SAID STRIKING POSITION; LINKAGE MEANS FOR MOVING SAID STRIKING MEANS BETWEEN SAID LOCATIONS; A RECIPROCAL MANUAL OPERATING ARM EXTENDING BEYOND SAID BOARD; MEANS COUPLING SAID OPERATING ARM WITH SAID LINKAGE MEANS AND SAID BALL TEEING MEANS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY VERTICALLY MOVING SAID BALL TEEING MEANS TO SUPPORT A BALL IN SAID STRIKING POSITION AND LATERALLY MOVING SAID STRIKING MEANS TO SAID FIRST LOCATION BEHIND SAID BALL WHEN SAID OPERATING ARM IS MOVED FROM A FIRST POSITION TO A SECOND POSITION; MEANS FOR URGING SAID OPERATING ARM NORMALLY IN SAID FIRST POSITION WHEREBY ONCE SAID ARM HAS BEEN MOVED TO SAID SECOND POSITION, RELEASE OF SAID ARM RESULTS IN SAID ARM RETURNING AUTOMATICALLY TO SAID FIRST POSITION; AND MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID OPERATING ARM FOR CAUSING SAID BALL TEEING MEANS TO SUPPORT SAID BALL IN SAID STRIKING POSITION WHEN SAID OPERATING ARM HAS BEEN RELEASED AND IS MOVING BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS UNDER THE ACTION OF SAID MEANS FOR URGING SAID ARM NORMALLY IN SAID FIRST POSITION. 